Squire Patton Boggs has added partner Nicoleta Timofti to its International Dispute Resolution practice. She joins from Curtis Mallet-Prevost in the firm’s recently established office in Geneva, Switzerland and will also spend significant time practicing from its Astana, Kazakhstan office.
Ms. Timofti is an U.S. qualified international attorney counselling private clients, current and former government officials, multinational corporations, international financial institutions and sovereigns. Her practice includes white collar criminal defense, AML and international corruption, internal investigations, asset recovery, including asset tracing, as well as complex commercial cross-border litigation.
“International arbitrations, particularly for sovereigns, increasingly involve corruption issues,” said George von Mehren, global co-chair of our International Dispute Resolution Practice. “Nicoleta’s unique experience bridging these issues together with her extensive expertise practicing across Central and Eastern Europe dovetail perfectly with several areas where we are seeing growth.”
Government Investigations & White-Collar Practice Leader Kevin McCart added, “Representing multinational institutions and sovereigns on anti-corruption matters has long been a staple of our practice. Nicoleta’s experience on sensitive AML and asset recovery matters will complement the uptick we are experiencing in these and other areas. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.”
Commenting on her move to the firm, Ms. Timofti said, “The combination of Squire’s sterling reputation in arbitration circles, substantial cross-border government investigations practice and its global scale, including a new office in Geneva, made the firm a natural fit. I have worked along-side attorneys from the firm on several common clients and am excited to join the team and explore new opportunities for growth.”
Kate Sherrard, managing partner of the Geneva office, said: “Growing our Geneva office around core firm strengths, including international disputes and investigations, is part of our strategic plan. The office is off to a great start and Nicoleta is an exciting addition who will be a key part of our cross-border offering to clients.”
As a cross-border litigator, she advises clients on a variety of issues relating to international dispute resolution, such as forum selection, jurisdiction, service of process, and is accustomed to navigating international legal systems (civil, criminal, administrative), enforcement proceedings, international discovery and insolvency proceedings.
Additionally, Ms. Timofti has provided strategic advice to clients on sensitive regulatory, sanctions, corporate raiding, civil and criminal forfeiture orders, Interpol, extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) related matters, as well as international human rights and the rule of law.
Fluent in four languages, Ms. Timofti has worked extensively in emerging markets, particularly CIS states, Eastern Europe and Asia.